Getting Stuck on Exam Questions

 

image

Exams. Everyone hates writing them, and by the time you’ve been writing nonstop for an hour, you just want to finish.  But, you can’t… because now you’re stuck on this one question that you can’t seem to conquer.

Don’t you just hate that?

When you’re stuck on an exam question, it’s either because:

1) You haven’t studied enough.

2) You studied too much all at once that your brain is now fried.

3) You’re so overwhelmed that you don’t know where to start.

4) Writing in the RAWC Gym terrifies you.

5) You’re sleep deprived.

Or

6) The question is just wack.

And if you’re writing your exam in the RAWC Gym, it certainly doesn’t help that the scoreboard is counting down the minutes until the exam is done.

image

Now, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and don’t be afraid to clear your mind.  Everything you’ve studied will come flooding back.

If you’ve been attending class (I know you all do), you can always write whatever you’ve retained.  You’re certain to get some points.  I know this is cliché, but TRY YOUR BEST!

image

However, I have to admit, taking a breather doesn’t always necessarily guarantee you an ‘A’.

From personal experience, Calculus exams are the worst exams to get stuck on a question because all that matters is your final answer.  That means that all the steps you’ve written to get that answer have absolutely no effect on the mark you receive.  I know… it’s pretty unfortunate.

image

So, I advise you to start studying and seek all the help you need— don’t be afraid to ask your professor for help (see “How to Walk into Your Professor’s Office like a BOSS”) or your fellow classmates.  Plan ahead. You certainly do not want to get into this sticky situation in a few weeks!